LGBTI

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex

FIA is developing its work in relation to the challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex performers. Strongly rooted in the wider labour movement, FIA supports the rights of all performers, regardless of age, sexual orientation and identification, or disability. FIA urges those within the industry to recognize the diversity of performers, which in turn is a reflection of the diversity of modern societies. A 2013 survey, conducted on behalf of SAG-AFTRA in the US, and entitled “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Diversity in Entertainment: Experiences and Perspectives of SAG-AFTRA Members” found that LGBT actors face continued discrimination even as workplace opportunities and conditions improve. One-third of the survey respondents – including heterosexual members – believed casting directors, directors and producers are biased against LGBT performers. A 2011 survey by Equity UK on the same issue found that while the vast majority of performers are “out” they still encounter homophobia in their working lives or may feel unable to be fully honest with the agent representing them professionally. An international working group is taking forward FIA’s work in this area. For more information, please contact the secretariat.